FranquiDay Rosario brings together 32 brands with low-cost franchise options

The second FranquiDay event in Rosario, Argentina, brought together 32 franchise brands and people interested in starting their own business. Held at the Salón Muelle in the city's river terminal, the event highlighted a shift in Argentina's franchise sector towards lower-investment options, smaller premises and businesses that owners can run themselves.

Business meetings across a range of investment levels

Organised by Negozona, the event centred on one-to-one meetings between brands and prospective investors. Participants represented a range of sectors and capital requirements, at a time when access to funds and operating costs are shaping decisions about opening new businesses.

According to a report published by El Ciudadano on 11 October, the opportunities presented required investments ranging from US$10,000 to approximately US$125,000. That broad range reflects the type of business, the infrastructure needed and each brand's particular requirements. The event was therefore not restricted to businesses of any single scale.

The one-to-one format brought those seeking to expand their franchise networks face to face with people considering starting a business. Within this varied offering, lower-investment models featured prominently as a response to the liquidity constraints described in the event report.

Smaller premises and leaner operations

Francisco Bastard, founder of Negozona, told El Ciudadano that franchises are moving towards lower-investment options to meet demand from people looking to open a business.

“What we have seen in recent years is franchises leaning towards low-cost models that do not require such a large investment, designed around what investors are looking for,” he said.

According to Bastard, the fastest-expanding formats use smaller premises, require fewer staff and, in some cases, dispense with commercial premises altogether. The reduction in scale therefore extends beyond the initial investment to the day-to-day running of the business.

This approach contrasts with offerings based solely on large premises and bigger teams. For brands, it means adapting their expansion models; for prospective franchisees, it creates options with different infrastructure requirements and levels of personal involvement.

Self-employment gains ground

Another notable feature of the Rosario event was the presence of formats geared towards self-employment. These are businesses that owners can run themselves, rather than relying on several employees from the outset.

This distinction matters when assessing the opportunities presented: a lower initial investment may come with a more hands-on role for the franchisee in daily operations. The upfront cost and operating model should therefore be considered together, rather than assuming that all lower-cost options require the same level of commitment.

The trend described at the event combines three elements: smaller premises, leaner teams and greater scope for owners to manage the business themselves. Not every opportunity necessarily combines all three, as requirements vary by sector and brand.

Rosario's place in a series of in-person events

This was the second FranquiDay event in Rosario, following the edition held in May 2025. The initiative forms part of a series of in-person business matchmaking events that Negozona began in Mar del Plata in 2024 and later extended to other Argentine cities.

The Rosario gathering showed how these opportunities for direct contact are keeping pace with changes in the franchise sector's offerings. With 32 participating brands, it brought together models of different sizes within a shared format for discussions between franchisors and prospective investors.

Practical takeaway: before choosing a franchise on the basis of its upfront cost, compare the infrastructure, staffing and personal commitment each format requires. A lower-investment option must also match the prospective franchisee's ability to run the business.